DON STORY: KIMBALL'S WOODCARVER

Kimball woodcarver Don Story said, "I don't sell anything; I have never sold a carving; I give a lot of them away."

Story shared some of his carvings and his love of the skill with the crowd at the Kimball Friendship Center last week. Each and every carving is a work of art with tiny details and intricate designs.

Every Christmas, he makes an ornament for his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids, that is, 19 ornaments he will make.

He began his carving days while delivering fuel, waiting for the tanks to fill he spent time carving. Story said, "When I started carving I thought I was the only woodcarver in the country. I didn't know anyone that carved." His journey from a novice carver to a recognized artist is a testament to his dedication and passion for the craft.

Story said he is the only woodcarver in this area but found out by attending shows how big woodcarving is throughout the country.

As a self-taught woodcarver, Story encourages anyone and everyone to take up woodcarving. He graciously offers to teach people how to get into woodcarving, even wishing he could get his talent spread to school-age kids.

Story, a former fire chief in Kimball was given a statue of a fire chief by his wife and kids. He said he looked at that for a long time and studied it, finally he said, "I could that." And he did, he admitted that "it turned out fairly good." Several years later he decided he didn't want it around, "it looked pretty bad."

While attending shows, Story discovered that birds and feathers are prevalent for carvers, but Story's carvings are more Western-type art including dogs, cowboys, horses, and some with secret moving parts. Their home looks more like a museum with hundreds of carvings on a Christmas tree and showcases in the living room.

Don Story and his carvings are a one man art show.